_Answer._ I decidedly think old SWISHTALE would be better for a week (under supervision) in London. Might take him to the Empire, the Pav., and to see _Ruy Blas, or the Blase Roue_. If it did him no other good, it would afford him a topic for conversation at lesson time. * * * * * JUSTICE AT HIGH-PRESSURE. (_Or what it has nearly come to in Judges' Chambers._) SCENE--_Room in Royal Courts divided by railing into two parts. First part occupied by_ Chief Clerk _seated in front of table covered with papers. Second part filled with_ Solicitors' Clerks _hustling one another in the endeavour to attract attention. List for the day's causes about six yards long._ _Chief Clerk_ (_after three hours' hard work_). Now, Gentlemen, one at a time. SMITH _versus_ BROWN! _Six Solicitors' Representatives_ (_speaking together_). Won't take a minute in--only an order to---- _Chief Clerk._ One at a time, Gentlemen! Who has the conduct of this matter? _First Solicitor's Representative._ I have, Sir. It's an order to sell some freehold land. We have half a dozen valuations, and we want you to decide the conditions of sale. _Chief Clerk._ Hand in the documents, and let the matter be submitted to the conveyancing counsel for a draft. Adjourned for a week. Next, please! JONES _versus_ ROBINSON! _Second Solicitor's Representative_ (_forcing his way to the front_). This suit has been going on for six years, and we have got to second further consideration. By the recent statute, Sir, you now have to tax the costs. _Chief Clerk._ Very well; hand them in, and when I have looked through them I will give you an appointment to proceed. Next, please! SNOOKS _versus_ TOMPKINS! _Third Solicitor's Representative._ Settlement of certificate. There are eighteen parties to this suit, and we have seventeen present--the eighteenth would be here, but I fancy the gentleman in charge of the matter has the influenza, and---- _Chief Clerk_ (_relieved_). Oh, very well, then; as we can't proceed behind his back, we must adjourn it. SHRIMP _versus_ LAMBKIN! _Fourth Solicitor's Representative_ (_promptly_). Rather a hard case, Sir. One of the beneficiaries, who presumably is entitled to the interest on L20,000 for six years, is in urgent need of five pounds, and---- _Chief Clerk_ (_looking at summons_). Are you opposed? _Fifth Solicitor's Representative._ Certainly, Sir; although my client instructs me to say that he too considers it a hard case, and---- _Chief Clerk_ (_interrupting_). I have no power, then, to make an order; but, of course, if you like, I will put it in the Judges' list. Application refused. BUNKUM _versus_ TINSEL! _Sixth Solicitor's Representative._ Remuneration of Receiver, Sir. You have the papers. _Chief Clerk_ (_glancing at documents_). I think the Receiver had some special trouble in the matter. _Sixth Solicitor's Representative._ Yes, Sir. I appear for him, and he tells me he has employed six clerks.